Bible Math

The verse that generated the idea of "Bible Math, " is found in Psalm 90.12.  ...Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom."  What does it mean to number our days?"  When one looks at numbers in the bible, one usually thinks of what a number means.  

While various numbers DO have meaning, that will not be the focus of today's topic.

When the writer of Psalm 90, most likely Moses, penned these words, what was he thinking?  If you believe Moses wrote the Word of God and was inspired by the Spirit of God, then you will want to pay attention.  

Moses has been characterized as the "meekest" man in the scripture, except for the Lord Jesus, of course. Moses would have to be such a humble man to have led two million plus people across the desert sands thru the Red Sea.  He encountered complaints galore;  

•  Lack of Water (Bitter Water at Marah): Shortly after leaving Egypt, they complained about no water and then bitter water, which Moses fixed.
  

Lack of Food (Manna and Quail): They complained about starving and missed the meats and vegetables of Egypt, leading God to provide manna and quail. 
Constant Complaints about Manna: They eventually grew tired of the manna, calling it "wretched food".
No Water (Rephidim): They complained and threatened to stone Moses when there was no water to drink, demanding to know why they were brought out of Egypt.
Rebellion of Spies (Numbers 14): After hearing a negative report from spies, the community feared entering Canaan, accused God of bringing them to die, and demanded to return to Egypt.
Leadership and Authority: Aaron and Miriam questioned Moses's authority, and later groups like Korah rebelled against his leadership.
Impatience and Fatigue:  Because of the difficult journey, they grumbled against God and Moses again, causing the punishment of poisonous snakes.
Complaining Relative: Moses' sister, Miriam complained about his authority. The response? God struck her with leprosy and held up the march thru the wilderness for seven days until she repented.

All of these things and much more took place in the space of 40 years.  We know that when Moses came down from Mount Sinai the first time, (Exo 32.19) he saw the people dancing around a golden calf.  He was so enraged by their lack of obedience to God concerning idol worship that he smashed the tablets written by the finger of God! God gave him a second set of tablets but as long as the Ark was in evidence, the broken things were kept inside as a reminder of such disobedience.  

Reaping and sowing are still in the book (Gal 6.7-9) as well as repentance (Acts 3.19) and forgiveness (1 Jn 1.9)

So, where does "bible math," fit in with humility and anger?  I believe that given who wrote the words teach us to number our days, that we may apply our heart to wisdom, we have much to learn.

Each day should be regarded as a fresh start, a new page, a beginning.  Regardless of how "messed up" previous day(s) may have been. 

As/when we grow older and reflect back on our days, we should be inclined to see the errors so we may "do better" and "get it right" the next time.  This is how we grow in grace. (2 Pet 3.18) Scripture also teaches to take one day at a time. (Mt 6.34)

So, Brother Moses learned to number (his) days, that he could apply (his) heart to wisdom. In other words, if one thing didn't work, he tried, by faith and prayer, something else.  He also learned to wait on the Lord in the beginning of this forty year trek thru the wilderness.  Remember when seven plagues had to visit Egypt before Pharaoh would let (the) people go? (Exo 9.1-7)

Conclusion? No matter how old you are, there is always something to learn.  This is the Lord's purpose and plan for us. The Holy Spirit, as Teacher and Guide (Jn 14.26) will be available to any believer who trusts Him.

Instead of counting your days as you get older, determine to ask 

• What have I learned from this experience? 
  
• What can I learn from this experience

That, dear believer, is "Bible Math."

God bless and keep you.